September 30, 2009Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada was true to his word; he opened up press briefings at the Foreign Ministry to all media outlets on Tuesday, as he had earlier promised.
About 30 foreign correspondents and other reporters not belonging to press clubs were among those who attended a press conference at the ministry on Tuesday, thanks to the new open-door policy.
Prior to the briefing, Okada announced that he decided to open press conferences at the ministry to all media representatives in principle.
Although Okada had made a similar announcement on Sept. 18, he had withheld the implementation of the new policy, saying that he needed to consult with the ministry's press club.
"Since it has been a while (since the Sept. 18 announcement), I have decided to open (press briefings to all media outlets) from now on," Okada said on Tuesday.
Reporters eligible to attend the ministry's briefings include members of the Japan Newspaper Publishers and Editors Association; the National Association of Commercial Broadcasters in Japan; the Japan Magazine Publishers Association; the Internet News Association of Japan; and the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan.
In addition, holders of the Foreign Press Registration Card and freelance journalists are also allowed access to the ministry briefings.
Reporters who wish to attend the press conferences are required to sign up in advance through the ministry's Web site.
(Mainichi Japan) September 30, 2009
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